Natasha Griggs (Solomon, Country Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

The outpouring of grief across Australia, and indeed across the globe, as many members have said, is quite remarkable—everyone is paying their respects to an inspirational young man who touched the lives not just of people in our nation but across the globe. So I rise today to speak on behalf of the people of Solomon.

Phillip was deeply respected by Territorians, as he was nationally and internationally. Territorians remember him with great fondness. It is no secret that Territorians love their sport, and cricket, along with AFL, is one of the sports that we love the most. The Territory was honoured to host Phillip Hughes, and many children were able to learn from his spectacular cricket skills earlier this year, when he visited my electorate to announce the upgrades to Northline Oval that enabled us to host the quadrangular one-day series in Darwin and Palmerston. That meant that we were able to host players of the calibre of Phillip Hughes.

As many have said in this place, Phillip Hughes was an outstanding cricketer and, by all accounts, an outstanding person—and there have been lots of media stories about what an outstanding young man he was, not just on the cricket field but in his personal life. He will be forever remembered as a national hero because he made Australians proud, not just because of his ability as a fantastic sportsman but because of the way that he conducted himself in his life. He will be remembered not for how he died but for how he played Australia's favourite game.

I want to share with the House from the NT News Facebook site. A lot of constituents have shared their thoughts. Camilla Snelson said that she is really looking forward to the fact that she can share in today's funeral and be able to watch it. People are pleased that all the media outlets have worked together to enable the country to come together. John White said:

R.I.P. mate. My thought's go out to your family, friend's, colleague's and to Sean Abbott.

Leanne Kossack said:

RIP mate and Godbless your family and friends.

Jodie Corbett said:

God bless those you left behind mate. Especially your mum

Andrew Douglas said:

"Spare a thought for the people of Macksville and the Nambucca Valley today. They are beautiful, salt of the earth human beings."

Tim Gilbert from the Today Show indicated that this morning. I think that it is really important that we as a country acknowledge and think about not just Phillip's family and friends but his teammates and, indeed, his very close-knit small community.

I would like to finish by saying that Phillip Hughes, as I said, was an outstanding cricketer and an outstanding Australian. I would like to say to Sean Abbott: our prayers and thoughts are with you as well. The nation stands behind you. We hope that you will be able to resume your life as a cricketer. No-one holds you responsible. It will be a tough day for you as well. To Greg, Virginia, Jason and Megan, I hope you all find comfort in knowing that our nation mourns with you. Phillip's short life was lived so well. May he rest in peace.

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